Townsend, Tennessee

From the Knoxville News Sentinel of November 17, 2006

Home invasion reported in Blount

A 52-year-old woman fought with two intruders today who disarmed and beat her after her pistol misfired.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said the woman, who resides on Old Tuckaleechee Pike, was not seriously injured during the incident.

This is the second home invasion attack this week in Blount County.

Today's was reported about 5:30 a.m. A Sheriff's Office K-9 tracking team arrived at the residence and tracked the suspects a short distance to the end of her next door neighbor's driveway.

The pistol was recovered in the woman's bedroom, and she was treated at the scene by Rural/Metro Ambulance Service.

The Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division is investigating the robbery.

In a statement, Berrong said this is how the attack unfolded:

The woman was awakened by a loud noise within her residence shortly before 5:30 a.m.

She said she picked up a .32-caliber revolver from her nightstand and went to investigate. As she entered the kitchen, she saw a female in her late 20's, and was then struck with a bar stool from around the corner of the kitchen door by a man.

She attempted to shoot him, but her weapon misfired. She said the man, who is described as wearing a black ski mask, a down-style coat, blue jeans, and wearing gloves, wrestled the gun from her, pinned her to the ground, and punched and kicked her in the face.

He then walked to her bedroom and took several prescription bottles. The woman said the two then left out the front door.